Most of us are able to understand that a baby breastfeeding is just a small human having its lunch. According to a survey by Start4Life, 72% of Brits agree that public breastfeeding is right and important.
Unfortunately there are still a small number of people who think that public breastfeeding is something that they can legitimately object to.
You'd be forgiven for assuming that those people are just basement dwelling misogynists who don't understand that babies need to eat. But depressingly it turns out that the airline KLM are included in the demographic of 'people who think women should cover up while breastfeeding.
Researcher Heather Yemm tweeted at KLM asking 'What's your policy on breastfeeding.' The airline replied saying: 'Breastfeeding is permitted at KLM flights. However, to ensure that all our passengers of all backgrounds feel comfortable on board, we may request a mother to cover herself while breastfeeding, should other passengers be offended by this.'
The replies to KLM demonstrate a deep frustration with their attitude. 'Why would breastfeeding cause anyone to "feel offended"? I'm very curious to know how feeding a child could be viewed as offensive?' asked one woman.
'Your policy should be to have staff ask if she would like a pillow and/or a LARGE glass of water and an extra snack. FULL STOP' said another.
In the UK women have a legal right to breastfeed their baby in public spaces, and should not be told off nor asked to cover up.